Monday, February 12, 2007
Current Affair---ASEAN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 FinalsArticle: Advantage Singapore
(Political/societal issues)
This article is about the first leg of the the finals of the ASEAN football championship, Singapore vs Thailand. By beating them 2-1 in the first leg, the chances of us winning the ASEAN football championships would be higher, since we would only need to draw with them in the second leg to win. It was important to win the trophy as this would bring a huge amount of glory to our country, and also bring Singapore football to a new level. As a fan of the Singapore Lions, it would of course, also mean a lot to me if we won.
Personally, i was very disgusted with the way the Thai players reacted to the referee's decision for a penalty. As a sportsman, I understand the Thai players felt aggrieved about the controversial penalty decision made against them for Niweat Sriwong’s alleged tug on Noh Alam Shah when both players rose to challenge for a header in the box. I believe that it is not within my ability to judge the situation, but personally I did not see any substantial form of tugging in the box. There will always be times when the referee, in whichever sport, makes foolish or harsh decisions. The vehement protests from the Thais that followed were understandably inevitable. But for the entire Thai team to walk off the pitch, encouraged, no doubt, by their coach and their skipper, and refusing to continue with play as a sign of protest was thoroughly disgraceful.
I believe that this incident will also cause Anti-Singapore sentiment to simmer in Thailand. The relationship between Singapore and Thailand was already strained since Singapore's investment company Temasek Holdings bought a controlling stake in telecommunications giant Shin Corp from the family of then-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra last year. Bilateral ties were further strained over a visit to Singapore by Thaksin last month. Such an incident would surely cause many Thais to feel bitter towards the Singaporeans.
What i can reflect about the ASEAN Finals is the issue of sportsmanship. As sportsmen, it should be understood that the decision of the referee is final. The walk-out by Thailand in the first leg was a clear indication of the lack of sportsmanship. Such misbehaviour would definitely tarnish the image of ASEAN football to the world. As South-east Asia is trying embrace professionalism in football, it is incidents like this that will cause what we have tried to build up for so long to collasp. Any form of misbehaviour by our players, not just the Thais', will impact the world's view of ASEAN football. Because of the walk-out by the Thais, ASEAN football has become the laughing stock of the world, with many now coming to believe that our football is unprofessional. I feel that strong action should be taken against the Thai players, to send out a resounding message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in ASEAN football.
feared 10:41 PM